The New Orleans Saints announced Tuesday that they reached a contract agreement with former Carolina Panthers pass rusher Wes Horton. Worton joined the Panthers as an undrafted free agent out of USC back in 2013, and appeared in 80 games (including the playoffs) for the Saints’ division-rivals. He’s recorded 15.5 sacks, 23 quarterback hits, 13 tackles for loss of yards, and seven forced fumbles in his pro career.
Horton spent most of his career playing in a rotation out on the edge, behind other talents like Julius Peppers, Charles Johnson, and Mario Addison. He had his best season in 2017, notching 5.5 sacks and eight hits. The Saints likely envision him in that same role, competing for the spot in training camp with guys like Trey Hendrickson, Carl Granderson, Porter Gustin, and Corbin Kaufusi.
Because the Saints already had 90 players on their roster, the corresponding move for this signing was the waiving of former Auburn linebacker Darrell Williams. Horton is no lock to make the roster, but there’s plenty of opportunity for him and the other candidates behind starters Cameron Jordan and Marcus Davenport.
